The Effect of Hydration on the Prevention of CI-AKI in STEMI Patients Undergoing Primary PCI (Hydro-AKI Trial) (Hydro-AKI)

Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) remains one of the most common complications following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) in patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The development of CI-AKI is associated with prolonged hospitalization, increased healthcare costs, higher rates of cardiovascular complications, and increased short- and long-term mortality. Despite advances in interventional cardiology, effective preventive strategies for CI-AKI in the emergency PPCI setting remain limited.

Adequate hydration is considered the cornerstone of CI-AKI prevention because it improves renal perfusion, suppresses vasoconstrictive mechanisms, dilutes intratubular contrast media, and promotes urinary excretion of contrast agents. However, the evidence supporting hydration strategies has been derived primarily from elective coronary procedures, where patients can receive intravenous hydration before and after contrast administration. In STEMI patients undergoing PPCI, the urgent nature of treatment often precludes pre-procedural hydration, and aggressive intravenous fluid administration may increase the risk of volume overload in patients with impaired cardiac function.

Oral hydration represents a simple, inexpensive, and widely accessible alternative that may offer renal protection while minimizing the logistical challenges associated with intravenous hydration in the acute setting. However, evidence regarding its effectiveness in patients undergoing emergency PPCI remains scarce, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

This prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial is designed to evaluate whether a structured oral hydration regimen initiated after PPCI reduces the incidence of CI-AKI compared with standard care without a prescribed hydration regimen. Eligible adult patients presenting with STEMI and undergoing successful PPCI will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either the oral hydration protocol or standard care. All participants will receive routine evidence-based management for STEMI according to current institutional practice and contemporary clinical guidelines.

Renal function will be assessed using serum creatinine measurements obtained at baseline and after contrast exposure. CI-AKI will be defined according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria. Participants will also be monitored for safety outcomes, including signs and symptoms of heart failure or fluid overload, as well as clinically relevant in-hospital outcomes. Additional analyses will evaluate the relationship between oral hydration adherence and renal outcomes.

The primary outcome is the incidence of CI-AKI following PPCI. Secondary outcomes include changes in renal function, requirement for renal replacement therapy, duration of hospitalization, major in-hospital adverse clinical events, and safety outcomes related to hydration therapy.

The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the effectiveness and safety of structured oral hydration as a practical, low-cost preventive strategy for CI-AKI in patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI, particularly in resource-limited healthcare settings.